Android 4.0 source code for x86 processors opening up to developers

For all of the Android developers out there, Google's Android development team has opened up Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.1) for x86 processors for both Intel and AMD systems. Take note that the release isn't yet completely stable, there being some compatibility issues with Intel processors for sound, hardware acceleration, camera, and ethernet. On the flip side, Ice Cream Sandwich compatibility seems to be working just fine with AMD processors, Wi-Fi, sound, and hardware acceleration for AMD chipsets all good to go.

This is rather good news for AMD, and especially AMD tablet chipsets, seeing that they haven't been getting much attention in the tablet space lately. Pushing out Ice Cream Sandwich support right now for x86 may just encourgae more developers, and more manufacturers to turn their attention to Intel and AMD, instead of the other chipset makers (cough, Qualcomm, ARM, I'm looking at all of you) that have been dominating the tablet market. The more the merrier, I say.

The instructions for downloading the source code are provided below by the Android development team. On the open source page, you'll also find the ISO image for MSI's AMD powered Brazos Tablet. So developers, launch your Android SDKs, and start building something awesome.

Hi all, The ics-x86 branch based on Android 4.0.1 is ready.

You may download the source as usual: $ repo init -u git://git.android-x86.org/manifest.git -b ics-x86

$ repo sync or from the SourceForge mirror $ repo init -u git://android-x86.git.sf.net/gitroot/android-x86/x86/platform/manifest.git

-b ics-x86

$ repo sync

[via 9to5 Google]